Survey: Estonian Families Cut Back on Clothes and Food, but Protect Sports and Education

A new survey shows that financially constrained Estonian families with children primarily economize on clothing, shoes, and books and toys. Food spending per person in families with children is roughly a third less than in childless households. However, cuts to sports and education spending are the last thing parents consider.

A survey conducted in Estonia reveals that families with children facing tight household budgets prioritize children's education and sports opportunities, sacrificing clothing quality and food standards in the process. The survey shows that families with children spend roughly a third less per person on food compared to childless households.

When a family's finances are strained, parents begin cutting costs first on clothing, shoes, books, and toys. In other words, expenses directly related to children's everyday consumption are reduced first, while sports and hobby activity fees and education expenses remain largely untouched.

This behaviour reflects parents' clear prioritization: a child's development and investment in their future matters more than new clothes or the amount of food on the table. Experts have previously highlighted that a prolonged decline in nutrition quality could nonetheless have negative effects on children's health and school performance.

The survey emphasizes the need to target social policy measures specifically to support families raising children in difficult economic conditions. Support systems that help cover basic needs such as food and clothing could help families maintain living standards while also investing in their children's futures.